What is a tablet PC?
A tablet pc (also known as a tablet) is a computer which is specifically built to be lightweight, maneuverable and small. They are often referred to as 'mobile computers' because they have the same hardware specifications as high-end mobile phones and typically boast the same features, applications and software. They are naturally bigger than a mobile phone, but small enough to fit comfortably in the palm of your hands. They are controlled with the use of a stylus pen or onscreen virtual keyword.
Tablet computers often don't come with a keyboard or mouse, but these can be connected externally via the USB ports. You can also connect wireless to the device if it's a newer model and supports wireless capability. Some tablets do have integrated keyboards, and these are usually attached to the tablet, but hidden away in a slide or swivel joint. The benefit of these models is huge - because it gives you the feeling and ease-of-use of a normal computer system, but allows you to hide it away when it isn't needed. Some keyboards are also detachable, so you can completely remove them from sight until they are needed. Furthermore, some advanced tablets feature a dual-screen mode where one screen will display the touchscreen keyboard, and the other will display the media.
Although tablets are relatively new on the market, they have actually been around for many years. In 1968, Alan Kay described the initial concept of a tablet - although it was never produced or considered. The first manufacturer that attempted to market computer tablets was Microsoft. Back in the year 2000, they launched the Microsoft Tablet PC which they specifically targeted the hospital and outdoor market. The tablet was specifically marketed for the business sector, but nobody decided to launch a similar product into the public market until 2010, when Apple launched their competing and world famous iPad technology.
Current technology allows tablet computers to be extremely powerful and efficient in what they do. Often boasting quad-core CPU's, they pack enough punch to power through any sort of software or applications you could think of. As two years have passed since Apple's initial tablet launch, manufacturers such as Samsung and Asus have developed their own models and aim to compete with each other in the market sector. Due to the massive competition now emerging, Tablet computers are always benefiting from new features, higher specifications and cheaper price tags.
Ultimately, the tablet is a handheld mobile computer device that allows you to run the same software, programs and applications that you would on your PC. You can watch movies, stream videos and even edit movies on the move.
Tablet computers often don't come with a keyboard or mouse, but these can be connected externally via the USB ports. You can also connect wireless to the device if it's a newer model and supports wireless capability. Some tablets do have integrated keyboards, and these are usually attached to the tablet, but hidden away in a slide or swivel joint. The benefit of these models is huge - because it gives you the feeling and ease-of-use of a normal computer system, but allows you to hide it away when it isn't needed. Some keyboards are also detachable, so you can completely remove them from sight until they are needed. Furthermore, some advanced tablets feature a dual-screen mode where one screen will display the touchscreen keyboard, and the other will display the media.
Although tablets are relatively new on the market, they have actually been around for many years. In 1968, Alan Kay described the initial concept of a tablet - although it was never produced or considered. The first manufacturer that attempted to market computer tablets was Microsoft. Back in the year 2000, they launched the Microsoft Tablet PC which they specifically targeted the hospital and outdoor market. The tablet was specifically marketed for the business sector, but nobody decided to launch a similar product into the public market until 2010, when Apple launched their competing and world famous iPad technology.
Current technology allows tablet computers to be extremely powerful and efficient in what they do. Often boasting quad-core CPU's, they pack enough punch to power through any sort of software or applications you could think of. As two years have passed since Apple's initial tablet launch, manufacturers such as Samsung and Asus have developed their own models and aim to compete with each other in the market sector. Due to the massive competition now emerging, Tablet computers are always benefiting from new features, higher specifications and cheaper price tags.
Ultimately, the tablet is a handheld mobile computer device that allows you to run the same software, programs and applications that you would on your PC. You can watch movies, stream videos and even edit movies on the move.
Differences Between A Tablet And Laptop
Laptops and Tablets are actually pretty similar in some regards. Currently, the most popular tablet is the Apple iPad, but other manufacturers have produced their own. Other rival tablet companies include Samsung, Acer, Asus and Motorola. As for laptop manufacturers, well, just about every computer manufacturer has produced a Laptop somewhere along the line.
Primary Functions
The primary functions of both actually differ from each other. Laptops are more suited for users who are always using their computers and often remain in the same position (such as on a desk). Laptops have a built-in keyboard, higher screen resolution and usually have more powerful hardware. Tablets however, are made for people who use computers as more of a social activity. The majority of tablet users end up using social media sites like Facebook and Twitter the majority of the time. Because computer tablets usually have touch-screen capabilities, people who love to read and write generally don't get a tablet for their work.
When it comes to movies, media and music, both pieces of technology do the job superbly. Tablets were specifically designed and tailored for users who want to quickly tune into a movie, browse their e-mails and browse the internet while in the comfort of their own home. Laptops have always been tailored for business users and computer users who want a more interactive and more powerful system for browsing the internet, playing high-spec games, writing, and productivity tasks.
Operating Systems
Laptops and Tablets completely differ when it comes to Operating Systems. Most Laptops will run on the standard and popular format of Windows, whereas Tablets use Smartphone operating systems. The most popular system that tablets currently run on is the Android firmware which was developed by Google.
Size and Weight
Laptops can be specifically built with lightweight in mind, although the majority of them are quite heavy in the range of 5 pounds. This is because Laptops have bigger batteries and more powerful hardware in them. Additionally, Laptops often have 15+ inch screens which contribute greatly to their weight.
As for Tablets, you will find that they are mostly 7 inch or 10 inch in length. The batteries are much smaller and provide less power, because the hardware components don't need as much power. As such, tablets are often suitable for holding in one hand. They are specifically built to be lightweight and easy to hold and are used for entertainment purposes.
Conclusion
As a final conclusion, the ultimate difference between Laptops and Tablets is that Tablets will always be specifically designed for casual computer users. If you love to sit back on the sofa and browse the internet while chatting to friends on Facebook, then a tablet is definitely more suited towards your needs.
If you're a computer user who loves to write a lot (such as e-mails, blog posts and so forth), you will benefit much more from a Laptop. Likewise, if you're a computer gamer at heart and love to play high-specification games like World of Warcraft, then a Tablet just simply doesn't have the processing power to run such games.
Primary Functions
The primary functions of both actually differ from each other. Laptops are more suited for users who are always using their computers and often remain in the same position (such as on a desk). Laptops have a built-in keyboard, higher screen resolution and usually have more powerful hardware. Tablets however, are made for people who use computers as more of a social activity. The majority of tablet users end up using social media sites like Facebook and Twitter the majority of the time. Because computer tablets usually have touch-screen capabilities, people who love to read and write generally don't get a tablet for their work.
When it comes to movies, media and music, both pieces of technology do the job superbly. Tablets were specifically designed and tailored for users who want to quickly tune into a movie, browse their e-mails and browse the internet while in the comfort of their own home. Laptops have always been tailored for business users and computer users who want a more interactive and more powerful system for browsing the internet, playing high-spec games, writing, and productivity tasks.
Operating Systems
Laptops and Tablets completely differ when it comes to Operating Systems. Most Laptops will run on the standard and popular format of Windows, whereas Tablets use Smartphone operating systems. The most popular system that tablets currently run on is the Android firmware which was developed by Google.
Size and Weight
Laptops can be specifically built with lightweight in mind, although the majority of them are quite heavy in the range of 5 pounds. This is because Laptops have bigger batteries and more powerful hardware in them. Additionally, Laptops often have 15+ inch screens which contribute greatly to their weight.
As for Tablets, you will find that they are mostly 7 inch or 10 inch in length. The batteries are much smaller and provide less power, because the hardware components don't need as much power. As such, tablets are often suitable for holding in one hand. They are specifically built to be lightweight and easy to hold and are used for entertainment purposes.
Conclusion
As a final conclusion, the ultimate difference between Laptops and Tablets is that Tablets will always be specifically designed for casual computer users. If you love to sit back on the sofa and browse the internet while chatting to friends on Facebook, then a tablet is definitely more suited towards your needs.
If you're a computer user who loves to write a lot (such as e-mails, blog posts and so forth), you will benefit much more from a Laptop. Likewise, if you're a computer gamer at heart and love to play high-specification games like World of Warcraft, then a Tablet just simply doesn't have the processing power to run such games.